FAY MASTERSON INTERVIEW 2018

A SHOT TO THE HEART – Fay Masterson discusses the demise of Andrea Garnett

The season five premiere of THE LAST SHIP was at once brutal, and shocking, and moving. The sudden and violent deaths of both Andrea Garnett and Doc Rios shook us to the core, proving once and for all that nobody is safe. The loss of Garnett was particularly devastating, especially seeing as this was her first appearance since season three.

Fay Masterson, who plays Garnett, recently took the time out to answer some questions for us about her character, and how she went out in a blaze of glory.

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LASTSHIP.TV: We missed Garnett in season four! What do you reckon she was up to, while the rest of the crew were gallivanting in the Med?

FAY MASTERSON: I’d like to think she was training Cadets and briefing others on the Nathan James’s journey so far and what could be learned from it.

FM: There’s nothing like being with such a talented group of people who have been through a lot together. We all make each other better as actors and I always feel so energized when that happens on a set.

TLS.TV: We can see in the promos that Garnett is the Captain of the USS Jeffrey Michener. Congratulations on the promotion! Did you change your approach to playing her in order to take into account the promotion?

FM: Not really. I think Garnett always takes everything in stride. To me she always felt focused on her part as a member of the team, whatever form that took. No grandstanding or throwing her weight around, if that makes sense.

TLS.TV: How do you feel that Garnett has grown and developed throughout the show’s run?

FM: I think there was more of a sense of gravitas – through what they had all experienced and went through, not least because Garnett lost her family. There’s a grim determination in her that probably, if given a moment to reflect, would give way to deep sorrow. She channels it into caring for her crew.

TLS.TV: How did you find out that your appearance in season five would be fleeting?

I cannot thank you all enough for your lovely tweets re Garnett and @TheLastShipTNT What can I say? It’s been my honor and privilege to serve with all the amazing women and men on the cast and crew. And thanks so much to all the incredible fans. You’re the reason we do this. xx

FM: We were down filming at the San Diego Naval base, so the authenticity is unbeatable and being surrounded by real men and women in uniform is always an honor. I had Max, who plays Doc Rios, in the scene with me, and Adam Baldwin – both of whom I’ve spent a lot of time with and are friends, so it felt very fitting to go out with them in the scene with me. The script was perfect and I think it’s a very powerful scene. It sets up the season well.

Photo Credit: @FayMasterson

The shocking loss of both Garnett and Rios in the season premiere shows that the stakes for the crew of the Nathan James are, if it is at all possible, higher than ever before, and nobody is safe. Andrea Garnett was sorely missed in season four, and will be mourned by fans of the show. The Nathan James is a darker place without her.